Carbon Monoxide Some information and safety guidance
Carbon Monoxide Some information and safety guidance
Carbon Monoxide cannot be tasted and has no odor giving no chance to detect this dangerous gas. Co gas can be produced when a central heating appliance is operating with too little oxygen supply provided to the burning chamber. The stock flue gases from a gas boiler, or other gas appliance such as a gas fire, contain Co2, this is dislodged by Co when the oxygen levels are reduced. Building ordinances prescribing ventilation necessities and the widespread availability gas appliance service services has reduced the relative incidence of Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning although there are still thirty deaths per year.
Will looking at my gas boilers show me I have a Carbon Monoxide Gas issue?
If your gas appliances have indications of discolouration on their surface or on the walls near them you may be seeing some of the results of poor ventilation and production of excess waste gases. A yellow pilot burner is an indication of a problem in the gas combustion chamber which may be caused by a lack of oxygen through poor ventilation. Treat the pilot light like a traffic light, if it turns yellowish this is a warning and you should arrange for the gas boiler to be serviced as quickly as you can.
Can you do anything to reduce the chances of Co poisoning?
The underlying cause of Carbon Monoxide Gas production is lack of ventilation to a gas flame. Gas appliance burning problems can be avoided by following a regular appliance servicing schedule by trained appliance engineers. Any engineer you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required criteria. As a second, very important, line of defence, fit a British Standard approved Carbon Monoxide detector with an audible alarm. Air vents maintain the mandatory air flow to you gas appliances and it is crucial that these are kept free of any obstructions as this could result in a decreased flow of air. Garden plants can also be a risk to you as development throughout the summer can block air vents to a boiler which may not be in operation until the cold weather returns. If your home has a chimney to provide appliance air look out for birds nests in the spring as the creation of a nest in a chimney which is not being used in the warm weather could totally block the air when required in the winter. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide alarms. If the Co detector alarm goes off make sure it is your Co detector and not your smoke detector.
What will Carbon Monoxide Gas Poisoning result in?
Co kills so do not take any risks if you suspect you may be suffering from inhalation of the gas. signs can be similar to other sicknesses so act quickly if you have any doubts. Take action today and see to it you are able to take action tomorrow. Carbon Monoxide Gas poisoning strikes at all age groupings, not just the old or infirm. Animals can also be impacted.
What might I see if there was Co in my home?
You may observe common flu like signs in someone who is actually suffering from Co inhalation with characteristics like: -
- ongoing headaches
- light headiness
- weariness
- nausea
Your gas appliances must be inspected by a CORGI registered gas plumber if you see anyone in your home with similar symptoms. Open windows and improve air flow while you wait and see to it that no one stays in the home until the all clear has been given.